The 2017 Orchid Show: Thailand at the New York Botanical Garden in Bronx, New York is a feast for the senses, a veritable paradise for the eyes. The 2017 show takes visitors to exotic Thailand and features thousands of its stunning orchids along with its rich culture, all without leaving the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. A must-see for orchid lovers and collectors, The Orchid Show: Thailand runs until April 9, 2017.
The New York Botanical Garden is a 250-acre oasis located in Bronx, New York. Founded in 1891, the garden attracts year-round visitors with its exquisite beauty, spectacular exhibitions, and interesting programs. The 2017 orchid show celebrates its 15th year at the New York Botanical Garden, with the theme for this year, The Orchid Show: Thailand, which includes such complementary programs as Orchid Care Demonstrations, Orchid Evenings, films, and much more.
Debra C. Argen at Conservatory
2017 Orchid Show: Thailand
We attended The Orchid Show: Thailand on opening day, Saturday, February 18, 2017, and as we entered the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, a marvelous example of a Victorian-style glasshouse, we left the world of New York behind us and traveled to destination Thailand through the dazzling display of rare and exotic orchids, through the music, and through the cultural references located throughout the exhibition.
Elephants Floral Sculptures
For the 2017 Orchid Show, the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory was transformed into a colorful paradise to capture the beauty of Thailand through its orchids. As we strolled through the exhibition, we were greeted by the beloved animal of Thailand, the elephant, in the form of two floral elephant sculptures set against a dramatic and inspired backdrop of intense colors, shapes, and different sized orchids that amazed our eyes, as each were so unique and exquisite, while the music of Thailand enchanted us and created the perfect ambience for our "journey of the senses."
Pink and White Speckled
Purple White Speckled
As a bit of background to understand the impact and importance of orchids in Thailand, it is interesting to note that it is home to an estimated 1,200 to 1,300 orchid species making it foremost in diversity. As points of comparison, much larger India has about 450 native orchid species, and the United States has about 200 native orchid species. Although the country of Thailand is small in stature, it owes the diversity of its orchids to the varied ecological zones, from its cool mountain areas, rain forests, and grassy plains, with different orchid species adapting to the climate of the various regions.
Sky Lantern
Spirit House
Interspersed throughout the orchids there were interesting cultural exhibits and corresponding facts to educate and engage the visitors about Thailand, including information about the special significance of the number 9, considered to be a very lucky number, as is the number 3, although the number 13 is considered unlucky, about the celebratory sky lanterns (klom loi) which have small lit candles inside to lift the lanterns in the air to chase away bad fortune and bring good luck, and about spirit houses and daily offerings.
Yellow Pansy Orchids
A Sampling of The Many Highlights of The Orchid Show: Thailand
Pansy Orchids
We loved seeing the Pansy Orchid – Miltoniopsis, which is an attractive and fragrant, prized orchid that resembles its namesake, the pansy, which comes in a riot of colors including various shades of pink, yellow, and red. Another beauty was the Slipper Orchid, Phragmipedium After-Glo. Orchidaceae, an exotic orange and yellow stunning orchid. We learned that the letter X in front of an orchid’s name designates it as a hybrid, and shown in the x Oncostele Wildcat "Carmela" Orchidaceae.
Slipper Orchid
The attractive Asian Corsage Orchid, Cymbidium with its waxy flowers is a herald of celebration and ranges in colors of white, green, pink, and burgundy. Smaller in stature but with plentiful blooms is the dancing ladies orchid Oncidium Sharry Baby Orchiaceae.
Asian Corsage Orchid
Orchids with their rich diversity of sizes, colors, shapes, and fragrances continue to attract new collectors each year as they dazzle the senses. For those new to "discover" the beauty of the orchid, once you see them, you can help but want to collect a few for your home.
Dancing LadiesOrchids
As this was our second year attending the annual orchid show at the New York Botanical Garden we feel that there should be a warning when you enter through the doors of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory: "Attendance at The Orchid Show may become habit forming." The 2017 Orchid Show: Thailand was truly spectacular! We cannot wait to see what they will create for 2018.
Striped Orchids
There many varied programs during The Orchid Show: Thailand, which include Orchid Evenings, lectures, film screenings, orchid care demonstrations, classes, and workshops, so be sure to check the website to plan your visit accordingly.
Tower of Color
The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) is a National Historic Landmark located in Bronx, New York where its nearby neighbors include Fordham University and the Bronx Zoo. Do allow a minimum of 4 – 5 hours to thoroughly experience the New York Botanical Garden and its many programs.
Edward F.Nesta and Debra C. Argen
New York Botanical Garden 2017 Orchid Show
Admission: Weekday Tickets: Adult: $20, Student (with valid ID) and Senior (65+): $18, Children 2-12: $8, Children Under 2: Free. Weekends and Holiday Mondays Tickets: Adult: $25, Student (with valid ID) and Senior (65+): $22, Children 2-12: $10, Children Under 2: Free.
Cluster Orchids
Orange and Pink Orchids
Hours: The Garden is open year-round and holiday Mondays. Tuesday through Sunday: Hours are typically 10:00 am until 6:00 pm. Winter Hours for mid-January and February are 10:00 am until 5:00 pm.
Eye Candy – Orchids
Other special exhibitions and events, such as Members-Only Previews, may cause early closing of Garden areas. Exceptions are also made for evening events, which may take place after normal Garden hours. For specific hours on the day of your visit, please see their calendar on the website: www.nybg.org/plan_your_visit/
The Garden, its buildings, and its tour vehicles are accessible to people with disabilities, except for a few areas where the terrain is naturally uneven. Wheelchairs are available free of charge at both Garden entrances, on a first-come, first-served basis (reservations are not accepted). An ID must be left with Visitor Services. Visit the website for additional information: www.nybg.org/visit/accessibility.php
New York Botanical Garden
2900 Southern Boulevard
Bronx, New York 10458-5126
United States
Website: www.nybg.org/125
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See You at the 2018 New York Botanical Orchid Show!
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